XP Home trying to network with WinME

[Guest]

I've set up a very simple crossover cable laptop (XP SP2) to desktop (ME all
patches and SPs) and it works well: shared internet connection, reading
desktop files by laptop but the desktop cannot read any of the laptop's files
and cannot share a printer, connected to the laptop.

Previously I had an XP (SP1a) desktop instead of the ME computer and it
could share the internet, share the printer but ... couldn't read the files
on the laptop.

CONCLUSION one or more of my settings on the laptop is keeping the desktop
out of the files and folders and I simply cannot find what it is.

Please note, I'm sure that my firewall settings are OK as per Windows help
and Broadband settings.

All help gratefully received ... desperately, even!

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I've set up a very simple crossover cable laptop (XP SP2) to desktop (ME all
patches and SPs) and it works well: shared internet connection, reading
desktop files by laptop but the desktop cannot read any of the laptop's files
and cannot share a printer, connected to the laptop.

Previously I had an XP (SP1a) desktop instead of the ME computer and it
could share the internet, share the printer but ... couldn't read the files
on the laptop.

CONCLUSION one or more of my settings on the laptop is keeping the desktop
out of the files and folders and I simply cannot find what it is.

Please note, I'm sure that my firewall settings are OK as per Windows help
and Broadband settings.

All help gratefully received ... desperately, even!

On the desktop, open a command prompt window and enter these commands:

ping <laptop's IP address>
ping <laptop's computer name>

If the first one fails, it's likely that a firewall on the laptop is
blocking access.

If the first one succeeds and the second one fails, make sure that
NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled on both computers, as shown here:

Enable NetBIOS Over TCP/IP (NetBT)
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/troubleshoot/netbt.htm

If both of them succeed, make sure that File and Printer Sharing is
enabled on the laptop's LAN connection, and check the Event Log for
relevant error messages:

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308427
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

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